What is the poem "Spoon River Anthology" primarily about?

"Spoon River Anthology," written by Edgar Lee Masters, is primarily a collection of character sketches that presents the thoughts and reflections of the deceased residents of a fictional town called Spoon River. Each poem in the anthology is a monologue that reveals the personal experiences, secrets, and struggles of the town's inhabitants, offering a profound look into their lives after death. This unique format allows Masters to explore themes such as the passage of time, regret, and the complexity of human nature, all through the voices of those who have lived and died in Spoon River.

The focus on deceased residents is what makes this work distinctive, as it provides insights into their lives that might not be acknowledged or understood in a conventional narrative. This focus contrasts with the other options, which may touch on significant topics but do not encapsulate the central premise of the anthology. The monologues are rich with life lessons and reflections on various experiences, but the unifying structure is the shared voice of those who have passed away, which is critical to the identity of the poem.